16 February 2007: The ISDS is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal has kindly agreed to become a Patron of the Society to support us in our efforts until the World Trial in 2008.

The Princess was the guest of honour at the Centenary International Sheepdog Trials held near Kelso in September 2006 (more pictures of the visit) and greatly enjoyed seeing the work of the Society. The ISDS is privileged to have several wonderful Vice-presidents, including the Duchess of Devonshire and the Duke of Northumberland who have been so helpful, but has never been honoured with a Patron in its 100-year history. The Society Council extended the invitation to Her Royal Highness and the news of her acceptance was greeted by standing applause by the Society’s 100 directors at their Annual Meeting in Carlisle in January.

The Princess takes a great interest in countryside matters and is knowledgeable about many farming subjects. The International Sheep Dog Society was founded in 1906 to help develop the shepherds’ dog to improve the management of stock. Today, it is so important to have well trained and good dogs to help look after our nation’s sheep. There are great welfare improvements and considerable environment benefits through using good sheepdogs rather than farm vehicles to do the job.
Members of The Royal Family have very kindly attended our sheepdog trials on many occasions in earlier years. Read of a more recent visit to the Welsh National Trials in 2003.